Find Cheap Travel Destinations - How About Nashville?

When I was growing up, the only vacations we took were trips to visit relatives. I got so tired of that, and I decided then and there that I would make it a point, once I was able, to take a vacation each year and stay in a hotel. No more spending the vacation at the relatives' house. Now don't get me wrong, I love my family, but on a vacation I just want the luxury of a nice hotel.

I encountered my first stumbling block when I took a look at my bank account. Not a lot of extra money for an extravagant trip! So I set about gathering a list of cheap travel destinations. If you do a little research, there are quite a few ways to take a vacation and not spend huge amounts of money. For example, I've always wanted to visit Tennessee as it looks so beautiful in photos. So for anyone who would like to visit Nashville on a budget, here are a few things to do and places to eat that won't cost you a leg and an arm.

For a fun snack while you are out and about, stop in at Bobbie's Dairy Dip at 5301 Charlotte Avenue. This is a classic fifties-type walk-up ice cream shop that not only sells absolutely yummy ice cream but also wonderful 100% certified Angus beef and Belgian style potatoes,

Stop in at the Davis-Kidd Booksellers and Cafe which offers story time for the kids, book club discussions, and many other book-related events. Locals stop by for dinner, espresso, and dessert. The store's selection of magazines is said to be unmatched. Head over to the bookstore's bistro on Sundays for their continental breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon.If you're lucky, you'll get to meet a best-selling author as they often appear to read and to sign their latest works.

Visit the First Center for the Visual Arts which hosts a spectacular array of art from around the world. This is a family-friendly non-traditional museum which the whole family will enjoy. One of the most popular areas of the center is the ArtQuest Gallery with activities for all ages. There are 20 interactive stations where you can do such things as make a print, paint your own original watercolor, create a sculpture, and more. There is also a gift shop and cafe. This is truly a wonderful place to spend a few hours on your trip to Nashville.

For another great museum stop, try the Tennessee State Museum. Some consider it the best museum in Nashville, and there is free admission too.

Another idea for cheap vacation ideas: Go for a hike at the Radnor Lake State Natural Area. Radnor Lake is a nature sanctuary, so the trails are strictly used for hiking and wildlife observation. Wildlife abounds, and you can see geese, herons, salamanders, coots, and all manner of other interesting animals.

Many places offer horseback riding, which is a fun way to enjoy the scenery of this very pretty area.

The Pancake Pantry is quite popular and a reported celebrity hotspot. However, if you would like to avoid the lines which will be around the block for breakfast, you can find the same type of meal at IHOP or Bob Evans.

Try the Sub Stop for lunch. I've heard from some of the locals that they have what is considered the best sandwiches in town, and here's a tip. You will see celebrities stopping in here for lunch on a regular basis.